Geology, M.S.

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Michael Smith

The Department of Geography and Geology offers a program of study leading to the Master of Science degree in geology. The program provides advanced research and educational opportunities in the geological sciences and prepares students for solving contemporary problems in geology. Our faculty are prepared to supervise work in the following areas: marine and coastal geology; oceanography; geochemistry and geophysics; stratigraphy and basin analysis; environmental and resource geology; hydrogeology; geomorphology; mineralogy and petrology; paleontology and paleoecology; and structural geology and tectonics. The program includes a thesis and non-thesis option, both of which provide a foundation for employment in the environmental fields, mineral and energy industries, and government agencies. In addition the thesis option prepares students for advanced study leading to the doctoral degree, while the non-thesis option provides a foundation for employment as an entry-level professional geologist in environmental fields and firms, mineral and energy industries, and government agencies. Completion of the non-thesis option assists students toward professional licensure.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate program in geology are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

An application for graduate admission; including the statement of interest and degree option form.
Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (verbal, quantitative, analytical writing)
Three recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields Students seeking admission to the graduate program in geology must hold a bachelor‘s degree from an accredited college or university in this country or its equivalent in a foreign institution based on a four-year program, have a strong overall academic record with a “B” average on the basic courses prerequisite to geology, and satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination. We accept students to our program who hold bachelor‘s degrees in any of the biological, earth, physical, or mathematical sciences. All students must have completed two semesters each of chemistry, physics, and calculus, and have working knowledge of physical and historical geology. Upon entrance into the master‘s program, the graduate advisor or the student‘s advisor may identify deficiencies and recommend remedies. All deficiencies must be removed before a student is accepted as a candidate for the degree.

Degree Requirements

Option I - Thesis

The program requires at least 30 semester hours of graduate credit, with a minimum of three credit hours and a maximum of six credit hours for the thesis (GLY 599 ). A graduate student may take up to three credit hours for seminars (GLY 595 ), and six credit hours of directed independent study (GLY 591 ) as part of their coursework in geology. Each student must complete GLY 501 and GLY 502 .
A maximum of six semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred from another accredited institution. Grades earned on transfer work must be equivalent to “B” or better. A minimum of 24 semester hours of graduate courses must be completed at UNCW including both course work and thesis. At least 18 semester hours must be completed in geology.
Each student must successfully complete a comprehensive oral examination and an approved thesis prospectus prior to registering for thesis hours.
Each student must complete an approved course of study including an approved thesis prospectus within five years of the date of first registration for graduate study.
Each student must present and defend a thesis, based on original research, acceptable to the committee, prior to graduation. The thesis defense is open to the public.

Option 2 - Non-Thesis

The program requires at least 36 semester hours of graduate credit, with a maximum of three credits for internship or final project, three credit hours for seminars, and six credit hours of directed studies.
A maximum of six semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred from another accredited institution. Grades earned on transfer work must be equivalent to “B” or better. A minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate courses must be completed at UNCW including course work, internship, and final project. At least 27 semester hours must be completed in the department.
Each student must complete the following core curriculum: GLY 501 , GLY 502 , GLY 525 , GLY 526 , GLY 565 , GGY 522 , and GLY 597 or GLY 598 .
Each student will take a written comprehensive examination after the successful completion of all required core coursework with the exception of GLY 597 and GLY 598 .
Each student must complete either GLY 597 or GLY 598 , and prepare and present a scholarly paper/report acceptable to the committee, prior to graduation. A final seminar is required.